1996 - 97 was the first full season in Miami for Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning, and what a difference they made. The Heat finished the season with a 61 - 21 record, a huge improvement over 42 - 40 in 1995 - 96. They went on to defeat the Magic and Knicks in the first two rounds of the playoffs. For their debut in the Eastern Conference Finals the Heat faced the Bulls, falling to the eventual champions in 5 games. A successful season nonetheless.